ELA Alumna of the Month – March 2025

Meet Julia Qiu from Sweden, our newest ELA Alumna of the Month!

A master’s student in economics, Julia is a prominent youth leader in Sweden driven by her passion for research and policy.

Read about how her experience at the 2023 Summer School in Valencia inspired her to dream bigger:

Which aspects of the European Leadership Academy made your time with us such a life-changing experience for you?     
The amazing community of inspiring women! Sharing ideas, supporting each other, and growing together was empowering. Being surrounded by ambitious women gave me the confidence to take bolder steps. I also valued the focus on self-leadership—those lessons still stick with me today.

How did the ELA ... read more

ELA Alumna of the Month – February 2025

Meet Denisa Rohunová, our newest ELA Alumna of the Month from Czech Republic!

Since taking part in The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation in Croatia, Denisa has taken her startup to the next level with newfound confidence. She is passionate about harnessing AI to create equal opportunities and making technology accessible to all.

Read about how her ELA experience fuelled her ambition and inspired her to dive fearlessly into new challenges:

Which aspects of the European Leadership Academy made your time with us such a life-changing experience for you?     
There are so many things that come to mind. If I would have to choose, then surely the opportunity to meet so many outstanding and inspiring women from ... read more

Women will lead the change

Now is the right moment for all women to take over the responsibility that history has charged us with, to bring human society to a new level, where cold ambition is replaced by shared values, where greed is replaced by empathy, where wealth is called wellbeing.

Luckily the wind is changing, thanks to all the women who have dedicated their lives to a better future for the next generations. 

These words are the conviction of a woman who built a life and a successful enterprise in a deep rural, traditional, conventional and patriarchal area in Albania. This small example is bringing change in the lives of many other women in the region. If we dare to put our dreams and convictions to action, if we come together, if ... read more

ELA Alumna of the Month – January 2025

We’re excited to present our newest ELA Alumna of the Month, Auguste Vykertaite of Lithuania! Winner of our Europe's Rural Leader Award at The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation 2024, this experienced data analyst is determined to help build a brighter rural future. 

Flow

Deep breath, closed eyes.

The mist, the mist that made these tall Croatian trees partially appear in the distance and disappear in front of me. A journey, cold enough to keep me alert and warm enough to keep me excited. A transformative adventure awaited…

A ticket that brought me to the right people, the right place, the right time. A safe here and now. Distilled information travelled from my ears to my brain, at a faster pace than normal. A hyper focus, further amplified with a sense of purpose.

The organisers wanted me to grow and succeed - they facilitated doors to open, to connect me with a brighter future. The speakers genuinely cared and nourished me - a feminine way of caring. The coach empowered me ... read more

Changing direction

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my experience at the 2024 Summer School. Before being selected, I was unsure about my future. Although I was enrolled in a strong engineering program, I questioned whether it was the right path for me. The thought of changing direction after two years felt like throwing away precious time, so I chose to stay the course.

During the Summer School, I heard inspiring stories of women who completely transformed their lives to pursue new dreams. Being in an environment where I was constantly reminded of my potential and the positive impact I could make, I finally felt empowered to change my own life. While there, I found the courage to apply for a job I had been eyeing for months. By August, I ... read more

Make 2025 Your Year of Action

I believe most of us feel deep down what we are truly capable of. It may be just a fleeting sense, or perhaps we only know what we don’t want. This is why self-awareness is essential. It’s a journey of self-acceptance, setting goals, finding supportive people, learning, and setting personal boundaries.

Once you recognise your inner potential, you must act to realise it! Seek a supportive environment. If you don’t have one, don’t be afraid to create it. Find professionals, ask for help, or build your own team of supporters. Start taking action—creating, working, and opening up to the world. Don’t retreat, even when you face rejection. Always begin again with new strategies and determination.

Listen to your ... read more

Igniting the Spark Within: Embracing Resilience and Self-Trust!

Every woman carries a spark of power within her, waiting to be ignited.

My journey at The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation was like flipping a switch—suddenly, I could see the wisdom that had always been inside me: it’s not about competing with others, it’s about competing with ourselves, pushing our own boundaries, and embracing our resilience.

The more we trust our inner strength, the more we can achieve, and self-trust comes from learning to embrace every experience, both the triumphs and the challenges.

I was deeply moved by Dr. Violeta Bulc’s message on resilience—not just bouncing back, but growing stronger through adversity. That mindset has helped me build unwavering trust in my abilities, knowing that ... read more

Inner strength, outer impact

I grew up among women whose inner strength often surpassed anything I thought possible. This led me to strongly believe that every woman holds an infinite amount of power within her. The outside world may try to diminish our confidence and obscure the light we carry inside, but it should never define who we are. 

To me, inner power is not about being unbreakable and unchallenged – it’s about embracing who you are, strengths and vulnerabilities, and using that to move forward. It’s about walking into any room with the belief that your presence matters and acting accordingly. Inner power is finding your inner light and letting it shine onto the world.

As we step into 2025, my advice is simple: take up space. There will ... read more

Building a sustainable future through community and collaboration

When I had the opportunity to participate in The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation, I knew it was the perfect step forward toward building a sustainable future and empowering local communities. The programme offered invaluable knowledge, inspiration, and the chance to connect with like-minded women across Europe.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of surrounding myself with supportive communities—like the one I found at the Academy. This network of inspiring women reminded me that collaboration is not a sign of weakness, but a foundation for collective strength.

As the founder of Magbago, a brand uniting sustainability and innovation, I’ve learned that true power comes from aligning with your purpose and building networks that empower you. Each step ... read more

Embracing Growth

Finding your authentic self is one of the most rewarding journeys in life. 

Discover something that reflects who you truly are—something that embodies your unique energy and perspective. Hold on to it, but embrace change when it comes. Growth is an essential part of the journey. Simple actions, like showing kindness to strangers, can transform how others perceive you and how you see yourself.

One rule I live by is to prioritise myself without harming others. This mindset has helped me maintain my self-worth and overcome years of guilt—guilt about leaving people behind or not achieving everything I planned. Letting go of that guilt has made a significant difference in my life.

Struggles are transitional phases, signaling that you’ve outgrown your ... read more

Bridging the Gap: From Engineer to Leader

When I first stumbled upon the programme, I was immediately drawn in by the impressive roster of past speakers. Excitement bubbling, I poured my heart into this application (again), hoping for a chance to be part of something extraordinary.
Little did I know, my high expectations would be exceeded. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in a world of growth and possibility.

As an engineer, I'd always felt a gap in my social toolkit. But here, I learned from experts in public speaking and storytelling. Their guidance wasn't just theoretical – I applied these new leadership skills daily, even within the first few weeks!
What truly made the experience unique was being surrounded by peers who matched my drive and ambition. Their stories and energy were ... read more

True Strength Lies Within

Women hold significant power that has been diminished for a long time. We were seen as weak and subtle, gentle and romantic, unstable. Crazy perhaps. Not strong enough to endure the harsh world out there. Our opinions did not matter. Our points of view were not seen as equal or as valid.

However, it is the woman who gives birth to the world. It is the woman whose weakness is making space for strength to show up. Our gentleness is what heals, and romance is what opens hearts. It is vulnerability that connects. Our fickleness serves as a beautiful metaphor of cycles of nature, the never-ending wheel of life.

Our time has come, I believe. A time to share our voices and bring our gentleness, romance and craziness as solid ... read more

ELA Alumna of the Month – December 2024

We’re thrilled to unveil our new ELA Alumna of the Month, Amy Calleja from Malta! Amy is getting ready to graduate with a bachelor’s in computer engineering and is determined to pursue a career in the exciting field of cybersecurity. She is dedicated to shaping an inclusive tech future where nobody is left behind.

Read more about how her experience at the 2022 Summer School in Prague gave her the confidence to pursue her passions:

Which aspects of the European Leadership Academy made your time with us such a life-changing experience for you?

I will never forget taking part in the European Leadership Academy! I feel so lucky to have met so many amazing young women leaders who are now my friends, and ... read more

Connecting Communities: The Role of Technology in Promoting Equity

Last summer, I had the chance to listen to many wonderful speakers at the European Leadership Academy, which helped me learn and reflect on issues I hadn’t considered deeply before. One session that particularly resonated with me was the panel on “TECH4ALL - Connectivity’s Role in Closing the Gap.” Led by Agnieszka Jankowska, Vincent Garnier, Suada Hadzovic, and Micky Elanga Yangongo, and moderated by Momtchil Monov, this discussion illuminated critical issues surrounding connectivity and its profound implications for those living in underserved communities.

Today, about one-third of the global population remains without internet access. This gap is more than just a technological issue; it’s a serious problem that limits opportunities for millions of people. Without reliable internet, individuals in rural and low-income areas ... read more

Beyond the Green: How ELA Leaders Redefine Sustainability

When you think of sustainability, what is the first thought that comes to mind?

Maybe it’s climate change, recycling, beach cleanups, planting trees and anything that is associated with the colour “green”. While this association is correct, there’s more depth to it. Sustainability is about community engagement, humanity’s perseverance and unity. Advocating for human rights, reproductive health, a fair justice system, mental health awareness, access to education and overall inclusivity is in fact sustainability.

How do we practise it? A great starting point is to educate ourselves on global problems, and then be willing to contribute to the resolution of at least one of these. Fortunately, we are not alone in this as a lot of organisations nowadays care about being sustainable. ... read more

From Hardship to Brilliance: Women Supporting Women

The hardships in life are a universal human experience, often leading to feelings of isolation. However, my recent experience in Warsaw was like finding a diamond in the rough, filled with joy and motivation. The powerful stories shared by the speakers at the event conveyed a crucial affirmation: you are not alone. This sense of connection resonated not only in their career journeys but also in the emotional challenges they recounted, forming the heart of many inspirational talks.

One aspect that struck me about these talented women was their multifaceted nature. During one panel discussion, I was convinced that a particular speaker would be stern and composed offstage, just as she was onstage. To my surprise, moments later, we were clasping hands and giggling like schoolgirls. This unexpected connection, fueled by shared ... read more

The Communicators Who Make You Speak Up

For a long time, public speaking made me awfully uncomfortable.

Social anxiety, the fear of embarrassing myself, the impression of not being credible enough – there was always a reason for me to keep my thoughts to myself, despite being pretty opinionated and passionate about quite a number of topics. The situation was so bad that I preferred to edit my Winter School application video with (stressfully) curated voice-overs to distance myself from my words.

Never could I ever have imagined becoming a confident speaker until I met Luisa Baldini, former BBC correspondent and communication expert. She pushed me to try out different speaking paces, to embrace silence instead of filling my hesitations with “uh” and even to finally give breathing exercises a chance. While I could speak ... read more

ELA Alumna of the Month – November 2024

Meet our newest ELA Alumna of the Month, Aria Axarli from Greece!

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Aria moved to Denmark to pursue a master’s in global health. She is passionate about making an impact in the field of mental health and helping to address global mental health equity.

Read about how her journey with ELA shaped her path and inspired her to embrace new aspirations:

Which aspects of the European Leadership Academy made your time with us such a life-changing experience for you?

Participating in the European Leadership Academy was a pivotal moment of inspiration in my journey of personal growth. It was my first time engaging with a diverse group of young women, each using ... read more

Aspire to Inspire: Lessons from the European Leadership Academy

“You are changed by every person you meet.” That sentence perfectly sums up my experience at the European Leadership Academy this summer. Every interaction—with speakers and participants alike—shaped my thinking and left a lasting mark. But, beyond what I learned intellectually, the biggest impact came from how these experiences made me feel—empowered, inspired, and deeply connected.

One of the most meaningful lessons was from Amina Boubendir who shone a light on the importance of education, highlighting it as one of the greatest investments we can make in life. She reminded me that knowledge is a powerful foundation—something we can always rely on. This strengthened my belief that any time or effort spent learning is never wasted; it builds a base we can ... read more

Favorite ELA speaker

Iva Tasheva is hands down one of the most inspiring people I met at the European Leadership Academy. What sets her apart is her genuine passion for supporting young women just starting out in their careers. Working with her after ELA was like getting a behind-the-scenes look at how she operates: she’s not only brilliant at business, but she’s also incredibly warm and always willing to share her knowledge. The way she combines practical advice with real empathy is something I think every young woman should have a chance to experience.
One of the most empowering things about Iva is her openness to new ideas and people. I remember at ELA, she encouraged us to step up, share our thoughts, and get involved, even if we were a bit ... read more

ELA Alumna of the Month – October 2024

We’re delighted to reveal our newest ELA Alumna of the Month, Sabīne Rasa Vīra from Latvia! Having recently earned her master’s in biology, Sabīne has led prize-winning innovation projects and currently teaches secondary school students. Socially active and energetic, she is passionate about helping to build a more sustainable world.

Read more about how her life-changing ELA experience impacted her vision for the future:

Which aspects of the European Leadership Academy made your time with us such a life-changing experience for you?

It was truly a one of a kind experience, something out of a dream! Meeting young, inspiring women and learning from influential leaders, speakers, and activists from such diverse backgrounds was valuable for all of us, ... read more

From Hometowns to Horizons - Unleashing the Power of Digital Technology

Bulgaria has experienced exponential urban growth over the last few decades. Leaving behind their beautiful hometowns has become the norm as people seek better opportunities and professional fulfilment in larger cities. My father is among those who moved to the capital to improve his living conditions. This trend has persisted for some time, but I believe it shouldn't be this way.

The IT sector has the potential to revitalize abandoned rural areas by creating new job opportunities. There are numerous ways to educate oneself about digital technology, especially with the abundance of online courses available today. The sector is quite accessible to anyone with an interest, so if more people from remote areas start working, for example, as programmers, they could rapidly improve their standard of living. If more people were ... read more

The Small Island with a Big Heart

Being 27 km long and 19 km wide, the small size of Malta means that, to me, the idea of a ‘hometown’ is somewhat blurred. So many key experiences have occurred in various towns that I consider my roots to be spread across Malta rather than tied to a single town.

To me, the beauty of Malta lies with the fact that it's a living museum and a melting pot of cultures. From our semitic language with Roman and Anglosaxon influences, the prehistoric Ġgantija and Mnajdra temples, to the fortifications of Valletta, each part of the island tells a story. I also consider us lucky to never be too far from a beach and have the ability to escape to the other Maltese islands - Gozo and Comino.

Yet, ... read more